Ted Lapidus re-invents the paper bag... with polka dots

[The Vintage Vendeuse]

This is an unusual style... 80's, I suppose, but the label isn't in the resource guide.
I'd been assuming this was a dress but when taking photos I thought about how it completely opens in front with one large button at the neck and several hidden buttons down the rest of the way. Even though it has short sleeves, could this be a lightweight coat? There is no sign that there was ever a belt.
~Donna

 

[tickeryboo]

donna, i think it could be something we used to call a "dress coat" or " coat dress", i can't remember which way round it was. they were very popular in the 50s, and of course copied in the 80s, and Diana, princess of wales wore this style of garment a lot. i'm pretty sure the dress is 80s and looks very much like the style of dress/coat garment that was popular then. i don't know anything about the lapidus label though so i'm not much help, just had to put my penny worth in!

lorraine

 

[Midge]

No idea.... could it have been worn with a like a wide black belt? Then it would work as a dress...

Karin

 

[Jonathan]

I agree with Lorraine - it's a coat-dress and although I saw some women wear them without belts, most did wear a belt - not something that matched, but a feature piece - really wide with a huge buckle. The dress looks like it's linen - a great material as long as you never sat down. I wore a lot of linen then and it always looked like crap by lunchtime.

 

[The Vintage Vendeuse]

I still love wearing linen, but have to fight the urge to carry a travel iron in my purse.

Coat dress it is, then. Thanks!